Keeper of the Seven Keys Pt 1 is regarded as not only one of power metal’s first albums, but also one of its finest. Unsurprisingly, superb melodic leads can be found all throughout the album. The leads and harmonies are very effective in creating an upbeat atmosphere that is both catchy and memorable. Speed is another characteristic that factors into the album’s impressive sound. Though there are plenty of faster bands out now a days, the sped up riffs are very infectious and memorable. Songs like I’m Alive, Twilight of the Gods, and the mega epic, Halloween, show off Helloween’s impressive arsenal of riffs and leads. The aforementioned Halloween, a 13 minute long track, is quite possibly the best song the band has ever written, with only Keeper of the Seven Keys even remotely close. There is virtually nothing you can complain about with the song, save for the sketchy lyrics which don’t look like they have much to do with each other. Hansen really struck gold with that song, as it perfectly exemplifies the attitudes of power metal, whether it be the numerous shredded solos, the fantasy lyrics, or the fast paced riffing. Great stuff. Helloween attempt a couple slower paced songs, the upbeat, happy sounding Future World, and the ballad, A Tale That Wasn’t Right. Both these songs are excellent outings, though I have to admit, I much prefer the more power metal-ish outings.

Overall, Keeper of the Seven Keys Pt 1 was a very important album in the world of metal. The album helped build Helloween’s legacy as one of the grandfathers of power metal, a legacy by which the band will soon not be forgotten by. Though some may shrug off the album by today’s standards (something I don’t quite agree with, but hey), when Keeper of the Seven Keys Pt 1 was released back in 1987, it was very fresh. Some may ask, which is better, Pt 1 or Pt 2? To tell the truth, I like Pt 1 more, but this is mostly due to my preference of Kai Hansen’s songs over Michael Weikath’s writing. We definitely have an essential album here.

At the ripe old age of eighteen, Kiske was chosen to join Helloween as their lead singer in 1986. He left his band Ill Prophecy, made his debut on the highly praised “Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part I” album, and continued with the band on the even more highly praised “Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part II” album. He was a big part of Helloween’s massive surge in popularity in the late eighties, mostly due to his incredible range and his charismatic live performances. After Kai Hansen left the band, Kiske started to take up a leadership role within the band. After the band (and the fan’s) distaste for the “Pink Bubbles Go Ape” and “Chameleon,” Kiske was asked to leave the band in 1993. After his departure, rumors started circulated that we would join Gamma Ray or even Iron Maiden. However, the rumors were unfounded and Kiske was not heard from again until 1995 when Gamma Ray released their “Land Of The Free” album where he was a guest vocalist on the tracks “Time To Break Free” and “Land Of The Free.” In 1996, he released his first solo album “Instant Clarity” and received good reviews. Kai Hansen and Iron Maiden’s Adrian Smith made guest appearances to help get Kiske off on the right foot. After a few years, he decided to release his second solo album in 1999, “Readiness To Sacrifice.” Since then Kiske appeared on Tobias Sammet’s two “Avantasia” albums as Lugaid Vandroiy who was a main character in the rock opera. He also appeared on Timo Tolkki’s solo release “Hymn To Life” and on Masterplan’s debut album. His new band, SupaRed, released their debut self-title

Quite a few years ago now, I missed out on seeing Helloween play. I was bumming around Europe at the time, and ended up in Hamburg. The band were playing a concert there that night, and being a fan I intended to go. Sadly, I ended up getting acquainted with a bottle of Russian vodka instead. I woke up the next morning in hospital, and I’d missed the gig. Those were the days …Kai Hansen went on to play with Gamma Ray, and Helloween have managed to keep themselves going since then as well. Michael Kiske drifted off my radar for a long time though. I was pleased to come across an album of his recently where he sang a lot of old Helloween tracks. Mind you, they sound completely different; the album’s mostly acoustic, with some interesting aspects to it; in one song there are horns backing up Kiske’s outstanding vocals – very Johnny Cash! The song’s on my jukebox, if anyone fancies a listen. The album is called Past in Different Ways, and you can download the whole album from Amazon for just £6.99.